Chongqing - The Chongqing branch of the 2021 "China Tourism Day" Celebrations and the 2nd Chongqing Fuling Hydrangea Festival was held in the western Fuling District on May 19.

The various counties and districts of Chongqing are to introduce a series of thematic tourism activities and promotional events to mark this year's China Tourism Day, which falls on May 19, so as to better showcase the charm of Chongqing as "City of Mountains and Rivers, Land of Beauties and Blessings."

Officials from the Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Commission and the Fuling District Government announce the beginning of the festival. (iChongqing/Truman PENG)

During the opening ceremony, the leadership of Fuling District launched the "Fall in Love with Fuling for the 100th Time" Douyin Challenge and officially announced for the first time hydrangea and ficus lacor as the district flower and district tree. The exemplary grassroots workers for poverty alleviation and industry role models of Fuling were also presented each with a CNY2,000 worth of entrance tickets to the city's major scenic spots.

More than 1,800 entrance tickets to the city's 25 popular tourist areas will be given out for free during the China Tourism Day celebrations, including 10 National AAAAA Level  Scenic Areas such as the Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan District, Dazu Rock Carvings in Dazu District, Black Valley in Wansheng Economic and Technological Development Zone, Simian Mountain in Jiangjin District, Fairy Mountain and Furong Cave in Wulong District, Zhuoshui Ancient Town in Qianjiang District, Ayi River in Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Longgang Scenic Spot in Yunyang County, Little Three Gorges in Wushan County, and Peach Blossom Valley in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County.

Representatives from the city's various counties and districts attend the opening ceremony. (iChongqing/Truman PENG)_

Meanwhile, more than 20 counties and districts, including Rongchang, Tongnan, Dianjiang districts, Zhongxian, Wushan counties, Shizhu Tujia and Xiushan Tujia and Miao autonomous counties, will introduce more than 50 activities from the beginning of China Tourism Day to the end of this month.

On May 19, many of Chongqing's famous scenic spots provided free or discounted tickets, as well as preferential tickets to the old, handicapped, anti-poverty fighters, and advanced role models, with an estimated incentive reward worth of over CNY10 million equaling some 10,000 visits.